The Art of Retreat

Falling Back - A Time and A Place

What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “self-defense”?

For many, the common imagery is one of standing your ground, fighting off an attacker, and coming out victorious, having saved the day and those around you. Simple. Many cultures have, in one way or another, long glorified the "never back down" mindset - and that’s not a bad thing by itself. Persevering through adversity is what allowed nations like the United States to be born in the first place.

However, these stoick frames of mind aren't always that simple - they often come with a portrayal of retreat as a sign of weakness, defeat, or even a crime. Many minds go to the Soviet Union in World War II, who were alleged to have shot retreating soldiers on sight due to Stalin’s “not one step back” command. The shooting of retreaters was far less common than modern cinema often portrays however, as the Soviets preferred to employ “barrier troops” at the back of their armies to catch retreaters and deserters and send them into penal battalions at the front line. Without getting too involved in Soviet war strategies, it is safe to say that adopting a blanket strategy of “never retreating” isn’t always the most ideal solution for preserving life.

In reality, retreating does not have to be an act of cowardice. As a matter of fact, there are times when it may be the best path to ensure victory. Utilized in a strategic, calculated manner, retreating prioritizes survival and ensures that you live to fight another day - or avoid unnecessary violence altogether. With that, we are also making a clear distinction between “retreat” and “desertion” - discussing and referring to the former, rather than the latter.

Plenty of professional military training centers around this concept as well. Tactical movements, such as bounding and peeling, are common movement methods utilized for both attacking and withdrawing in all sorts of wartime scenarios. Not every mission’s objective is to simply annihilate the enemy - in fact, it may specifically involve attempting to avoid contact altogether. But if you send people in, you must be able to get them out, no matter what happens. Preferably with the same amount of bullet holes they had when they went in.

Forward or back, tactical movement is rarely linear and simple. It requires thoughtfulness.

And what’s why we are here today - to break down the stigmas surrounding tactical retreats and withdrawals, and to provide actionable advice on how to recognize when retreat is the best option, how to execute it effectively, and how proper planning, training, and equipment can make all the difference in these situations. Whether you're protecting your home, taking down an active shooter, or bugging out from a societal collapse, the art of retreat can be your most valuable skill - one that must be taken into account in a truly comprehensive self-defense plan, and that everyone should learn how to utilize.

Understanding the Tactical Retreat

As we’ve hopefully made clear, a tactical retreat is not about “giving up” - it is about choosing the smarter path to survival. After all, if you are reading this and you're not a 4-Star General making large-scale battle plans, survival is likely your top priority. At its core, a tactical retreat is a strategic withdrawal from immediate danger with the ultimate goal of improving your situation against said danger. This can mean anything from moving to a more defensible room in your home, to escaping a chaotic public scene where danger is present, to moving a few feet behind you. Retreating does not mean losing; it is simply a redirection of your energy towards what matters most: survival and the safety of those you care about.

History provides many great examples where strategic withdrawal saved numerous lives. The Allied evacuation at Dunkirk during World War II is a notable instance - the decision to retreat allowed the Allies to preserve their forces, successfully evacuating over 338,000 soldiers. This decision, though unironically paraded by the German war machine as a historical and triumphant defeat to the Allies, ultimately provided massive help to the war effort in the form of morale boosts from the lives saved, as as the additional soldiers to help turn the tides of the war elsewhere. Many historians believe that if the evacuation had failed, the loss of so many seasoned troops could have opened a door for Germany to launch a full-scale invasion of Britain.

Whether it’s a beach or your home, all retreats share common themes that can be used to help you stay prepared. Image: IWM (NYP 68075)

On a more personal level, individual self-defense scenarios often highlight the importance of retreat as well. As a basic example - if you’re confronted by a well-armed intruder during a home invasion, moving to a pre-designated safe room equipped with defensive tools can give you an advantage without unnecessary confrontation. Remember also that self-defense laws vary widely between states, and many a law-abiding citizen has been thrown into the brink for not knowing them and using force where their state prohibits it. Fair? Not at all. Reality? Unfortunately. I’ve seen it everywhere, from New York to Idaho. Stand-Your-Ground laws and Castle Doctrine serve nicely to prevent those types of things in many states, and many people have successfully used these tools in their favor; but remember to strategically prioritize if things get out of hand: we get that your home is your castle and you want to defend it, but things can be replaced. People cannot. If you have the opportunity to save both, by all means do it - but we are going to assume your first goal is preserving life.

Breaking the stigma around retreat requires reframing the conversation. It’s not about ego or pride; it’s about making the best decision for the situation at hand. Survival is the ultimate goal, and sometimes stepping back is the only way to ensure you can step forward again later.

Recognizing When to Retreat

The decision to retreat often hinges on objective situational awareness and an honest assessment of the circumstances. I use words like “objective” and “honest” because those are two of the most important things you need to be under pressure. Not every confrontation demands immediate engagement, and sometimes, standing your ground can put you or others at greater or unnecessary risk.

One more obvious sign that retreat may be a better option is when you are outnumbered or outgunned. Facing multiple attackers or someone with superior firepower significantly reduces your chances of success in a direct confrontation. You may believe yourself well-trained, and it may be true - but are you 100% confident that your attacker isn’t? Similarly, if you find yourself in an area with limited cover or minimal defensible positions, you’re more vulnerable to threats and less capable of protecting yourself effectively. What retreat looks like in this situation will vary of course, depending on yours and your loved ones’ locations in the home - do you gather everyone into a safe room? Can you safely exit the house from where you are? Do you relocate to create choke points? These are all things worth reviewing in a home defense plan - which you absolutely should have.

Movement while intruders are present is an incredibly delicate task - make sure to consider all variables, and don’t expose yourself unnecessarily. You’re not as bulletproof as you may think, body armor or not.

Another crucial factor to take into consideration, as we’ve alluded to, is the presence of bystanders or loved ones. In a public setting or home invasion scenario, the safety of others should always take priority - not just for the sake of their lives, but for the sake of potential legal repercussions. Remember, every state is full of prosecutors who would love nothing more than to put you away for reckless endangerment. Why? Because it means their paychecks get signed and they get an easy win on their record. Again - situational awareness is key, particularly when others are involved. Retreating to a secure location, if possible, can minimize collateral damage, improve your angles for shots, and give you the opportunity to call for help. Of course, that isn’t always possible in a public situation as we’ve mentioned, but we’ll touch more on that later.

Resource depletion is another key consideration when contemplating retreat. If you’re running low on ammunition or your defensive tools are inaccessible, it is probably time to prioritize getting to safety and taking inventory. As much as preparation is important, no one is invincible, and knowing your limits is part of tactical decision-making. In the military, this action is referred to as a LACE Report. L.A.C.E. is an acronym for Liquid, Ammo, Casualty, and Equipment, and is used by squad leaders to review the status of their team before considering additional actions:

• Liquid - How are we doing on water?

• Ammo - How are we doing on ammunition? Is your current mag topped off?

• Casualties - Anyone wounded/killed, or otherwise incapacitated?

• Equipment - What is the status of our gear? Is it all functional?

Situational awareness plays a vital role in recognizing these cues. Constantly scanning your environment for exits, potential threats, and defensible positions is essential. In a home-defense scenario, knowing where choke points or barriers are located can help you plan a retreat that slows down intruders while giving you a chance to regroup - though these are things you have ideally considered beforehand. Tools like security cameras, mirrors, or even strategically placed lighting (or lack thereof) can enhance your ability to assess threats without exposing yourself to danger. Control is your friend.

Remember - you know your home’s layout. Hopefully, the perpetrator does not.

At the end of the day, recognizing when to move back doesn’t just come down to one or two things - although the examples we provided may be some easy indicators, there may be a million other variables that come into play. If I’ve learned anything from practicing gunfight scenarios in the military, it’s that translating words to actions often comes with a plethora of unforeseen variables. All the more why I always tell people - train, train, and train. Train your mind to prepare for the unexpected, and you’ll fare significantly better than your enemy.

Executing a Tactical Retreat

Alright, you’ve made the decision to retreat, now what? Now, proper execution becomes critical. The goal is to move efficiently and effectively without panicking or exposing yourself unnecessarily. This feat is astronomically easier said than done, and will vary completely with each scenario. The overarching key is remaining controlled and calculated with your actions - from moving, to talking, to breathing. Stay low and move quickly yet tactfully from cover to cover, minimizing your visibility to the threat while keeping yourself protected. If being in visual range cannot be helped and there’s too much ground to cover, use zigzag patterns to make yourself a harder target to hit - just don’t overdo it, or sacrifice speed.

In hand with that point, breaking (or minimizing) line of sight is equally essential to a comprehensive and successful retreat. Walls, furniture, vehicles, or natural barriers can obscure you from an attacker’s view, reducing their ability to target you. Just make sure you understand the difference between cover and concealment - one stops bullets, one does not. Just because you are behind a wall, doesn’t mean your adversary cannot shoot through it.

If you are retreating with a group, coordination is vital. Ensure everyone is overtly clear on who is going to be giving directions, and stay in touch with each other when reasonable. There is almost exclusively one reason I see entire teams flop during battle drills:

Nobody. Effing. Communicates!

If the enemy is aware of your presence and stealth is out the window, you better be communicating constantly. Of course, if stealth or home-advantage is in play, you may need to remain quiet - and this is where hand signals can be equally effective. Need a place to start? The Army has your back:

In line with effective communication, group tactics also must be taken into consideration for a safe retreat. For example, one person might provide suppressive fire while others move to safety, using similar tactics that we spoke of earlier, such as peeling or bounding. If you’re in a home, especially in a public neighborhood, suppressive fire may not be the most… ideal option, of course - though it may be the only option. Clear communication and pre-assigned roles can make group retreats far more efficient. Solo retreats, on the other hand, require an extra level of deliberation and thoughtfulness when moving, and constant planning for the move ahead. Any sort of solo fighting is not ideal, especially if you are protecting a family. If you have a spouse or partner, you may consider giving them a base-level of knowledge on the subject, a firearm they’re comfortable with, and a plan that allows them to at least put a second set of eyes - and a second weapon - into the fight. There is an extremely good reason the military emphasizes that two is one and one is none, and those who can successfully flank generally win battles.

Everybody loves Rambo. But don’t be a Rambo. Real-life Rambos die.

If alone, it is never a bad idea to try and make the bad guys think there are more of you as well. History is also full of battles where small forces prevailed, simply because they gave the illusion that they were much larger than they were.

Applying the Art of Retreat to Real-Life Scenarios

To further illustrate the value of a tactical retreat, we should consider a few scenarios, at least on a basic level:

• The Home Invasion: Of course, your primary goal here is preserving life, and ensuring the safety of your loved ones. If intruders enter your home and you’re outnumbered, retreating to a pre-designated safe room is often the best option. From this defensible position, you can monitor the situation using security cameras, equip yourself with body armor and defensive tools, and call law enforcement while preparing to defend yourself if necessary.

• The Active Shooter: About as complicated as it gets, with a million variables - how many shooters, are any disguised as victims, are there hostages, and so on. The stakes are usually different from a home invasion, in a way, but no less critical. Your first priority should be identifying the location of the threat(s), the level of danger they currently pose to you and those around you, and the nearest escape routes. Staying low and using cover like furniture or structural pillars can help you move safely toward an exit. If possible, assist others in retreating - but always prioritize your safety as well. You can’t help anyone if you become a victim yourself. This is a tricky one to teach soldiers in the field, as seeing your best friend get shot in the chest because he got caught in the open isn’t the easiest thing to watch and simply do nothing about; but if enemy fire is actively coming your way, the worst thing you could do for your brother or sister is go down with them. Immediate security must always take priority over medical care.

• Civil Unrest/Bug-Out Situations: This is one that many of us have become increasingly worried about in the modern day - and it is another with a plethora of variables. My best advice? Live on the outside of town, stay out of cities, befriend your damn neighbors, and then defer to this great video.

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But seriously - be friends with your neighbors, no matter what they believe. They’ll either be your greatest asset or your greatest threat if society collapses, and that may come down to how you treated them and others in your community. Don’t be an ass.

Societal collapse and civil unrest are things no one wants to experience - but having friends sure as hell gives you a better chance if it happens.

Preparing for a Tactical Retreat

As with any skill, retreating properly requires practice and patience. Practice builds muscle memory for both your physical muscles and your mental ones. Simulating real-life scenarios in a controlled environment can help you prepare for high-pressure situations. For example, practicing home-invasion drills with your family ensures everyone knows their role and can move efficiently to a safe room. Now, we get it: if your family is… not particularly on board for something like that, then going solo is fine too; because at least someone is getting the reps in. It may not feel like it in the moment, but I promise those reps count.

And after all, who doesn’t need another reason to LARP in their basement?

Fitness and endurance are equally important. Tactical retreats - or any tactical activity involving gunfighting - often requires prolonged physical activity and intermittent exposure to massive adrenaline spikes, so building stamina and agility is crucial when you’re coming off the tail end of that. We harp on this all the time, but anyone who has practiced a combat drill for the first time knows just how exhausting it can be. Incorporate exercises that mimic real movements, such as rapid directional changes or moving with heavy gear, into your training routine. And above all else, create a lifestyle of fitness. Don’t overthink it either, because the best plan is the one you actually do. Don’t be a statistic. You deserve to be healthy and reap the benefits from it.

After all, rule number one? Cardio.

Just as vital as physical readiness, mental preparation is imperative in remaining effective and calm under pressure. As we touched on earlier, overcoming the ego-driven instinct to stand your ground when there are better options can be challenging, but it is essential for making smart decisions under pressure. This is the modern age: Gunfights are rarely won simply by who is the better shot - another common fallacy plaguing our social media comment sections. Many confrontations are won by the stronger, quicker, and calmer mind. Learned techniques like controlled/tactical breathing, visualization, and mindfulness can help you stay calm, focused and collected, even when adrenaline is running high.

Stress drills and other mental workouts can and will take your combat preparedness to levels you likely didn’t know were possible.

Above all - just have a damn plan. The simple act of creating some sort of plan will inevitably put you leagues above most.

The Importance of Quality Gear

“I don't know about you, but I'm not planning on getting shot in the back running away.”

Finally, never, ever underestimate the value of reliable equipment when attempting to retreat or withdraw. Body armor, versatile plate carriers, and compact tools like flashlights and radios can make all the difference in a retreat scenario, be it across town or across your house. Invest in gear with proven durability and functionality - your safety very well may depend on it, and you don’t want stuff falling apart when you need it most.

Having the right gear in a retreat scenario isn't just a convenience - it is a necessity. If your equipment fails, slows you down, or isn’t suited for the situation, it can put you and others at serious risk. There are all sorts of things to consider depending on your specific situation, but we’ll cover a few:

• Body Armor: Our personal favorite, naturally. Protection from getting shot is key, but so is mobility - especially in tight spaces. Lightweight options like polyethylene or Level IIIA plates offer various levels of ballistic protection without weighing you down. A well-fitted plate carrier ensures you can move without restriction. Side plates can be nice, but be mindful of how much gear you throw on the sides of your carriers - equipment or extra weight under your arms can interfere, especially if you’re not accustomed to it.. Backpack armor is a great way to have ballistic protection that is concealed and looks natural, unlike having a carrier or other tactical gear. It slides right into your everyday backpack and provides Level IIIA protection.

• Lighting & Navigation: Access to a quality flashlight (preferably mounted to a weapon), and the skill to use it, can make a notable impact when retreating and maneuvering in low-light conditions. Powerful lights can even serve to effectively disorient your attacker. GPS and map technology are equally imperative if the retreat involves covering large amounts of ground. Knowing your escape routes and having a backup plan is just as important as the gear itself. If you’re being hunted by a technologically superior force, remember that almost anything with batteries - from your phone, to your watch - can emit light that is easily detectable by night vision. Even the Heart Rate Sensor on your smart watch can give you away, if the watch isn’t perfectly flush against your skin. 

• Footwear: Slipping, tripping, or dealing with painful blisters in a high-stress scenario is the last thing you need. Quality tactical shoes or boots provide grip, durability, and all-day comfort, making it easier to move quickly and safely. This may be easier said than done in a home-defense scenario, but just don’t go stubbing your toe in the dark.

• Backpacks & Essentials: A retreat may require quick access to medical supplies, spare magazines, or water. A quality backpack with organized compartments ensures you can grab what you need without hesitation. Again, if your retreat involves leaving home, this is where a solid bugout bag comes into play - and do yourself a favor, build it yourself from a trustworthy guide. Pre-packaged bug-out bags are just like pre-packaged first-aid kits: they are almost always missing important items, and that “150 piece kit” ends up being 145 band-aids and 5 expired pain pills.

• Weapon Reliability: A malfunction at the wrong moment can cost you everything. Quality weapons, regular maintenance, clean magazines, and proven ammunition are essential for ensuring your weapon functions under pressure - because the last thing you want is to confront an adversary, especially in a retreat situation, and have your gun go “click” when it needs to go “boom”. If it does, get ready for that adversary to rush you and be much more aggressive. Whoever capitalizes on Violence of Action will typically gain the upper hand, if timed correctly.

• Communication Tools: In a team scenario, clear communication is critical. Reliable radios or even a simple signal system (hands, lights, sounds) can prevent confusion and ensure a smooth withdrawal. As we already touched on this, we will not go further here.

When retreating, every second counts. Cheap gear that malfunctions under stress isn’t just frustrating - it is deadly, and not in a good way. Investing in reliable, tested equipment ensures you stay fast, protected, and ready for anything. Just as important as having the gear, is setting it up properly beforehand. I cannot stand seeing someone pull out an IFAK, only to see it still in its vacuum-sealed pouch, or a tourniquet still in its wrapping. Have your gear set up exactly how you’ll need it when it’s time to use it.

Wrapping things Up

The Art of Retreat is not about surrender. It is not about weakness. It is not about losing the fight. It is about survival. Knowing when and how to retreat or withdraw can save lives, protect loved ones, and ensure you’re able to fight another day - which should be the overarching goal for all of us. With the right mindset, training, and equipment, retreating becomes a powerful tool in your self-defense arsenal: one that may even catch your adversary off guard.

And that is the reality you want, no matter how you get there. With every tool comes a specific time and purpose for its use. As much as we have harped on the importance of retreat, it is just one of many tools you can (and should) be using in a comprehensive self-defense toolbelt. In my mind, the ultimate tactical mindset involves finding a critical, life-preserving line between retreat and violence of action, as we alluded to a moment ago: with the goal of gaining control over an opponent or situation before they can react. After all, just as we touched on the Dunkirk Evacuation, it is worth mentioning a stark reminder Winston Churchill added after the celebrations of the successful retreat: “Wars are not won by evacuations.”

Retreat or not, make sure you understand the role it plays in the grand scheme of your mission - whatever that mission may be. Prepare yourself by investing in quality gear, practicing tactical withdrawals and other movements, and prioritizing mental and physical readiness at all times. In the end, it’s all for the same goal - choosing the smarter path to victory.

So choose wisely.